Effectiveness of Protected AreasDo protected areas have lower deforestation because of their protected status, or do other factors explain the difference? Brian Blankespoor, Susmita Dasgupta, and David Wheeler

Climate Change and Rural Livelihoods in BangladeshClimate change has serious implications for poverty, underscoring the imperative for policy planning to cope with its effectsSusmita Dasgupta, Md. Moqbul Hossain, Mainul Huq, and David Wheeler

The Need for Broader Information in Climate Change AssessmentComplementing economic analysis with other types of information could increase its usefulness in assessing climate changeMichael Toman

STORYControlling Global Climate ChangeSeptember 2014: In this research talk, Mike Toman described the task of mitigating global climate change as a "wicked problem." It presents great scientific and economic complexity, very deep uncertainties, profound ethical issues, and even lack of agreement on what the problem is.

Environment and Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa(2009-2012)September 2012: This roundup features research on unifying the regional economic space in East Africa, effective and efficient water policies, how increases in biofuels production will affect both land use and food supply, electricity reform needed to mitigate unsustainable groundwater use in agriculture, incentives to cooperate on bilateral water treaties, increasing access to electricity in Africa, climate change and agriculture adaptation strategies, how regionalizing African infrastructure can bring substantial economic gains, coastal risks from sea-level rise and storm surges

Environment, Energy, and Sustainable Development (2008-2011)January 2012: The roundup features research on energy, environment, water, climate change, as well as cross-cutting issues like urban-regional development and infrastructure within the larger context of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency in advancing growth and poverty reduction.

ANNOUNCEMENTPaper on Country Stakes in Climate Change Wins a PrizeDec. 2010: The first annual prize for excellence was awarded by the journal Climate Policy with support from TerraCarbon, Joanneum Research, and Climate Strategies. Inannouncing the award of the inaugural 2010 Schlamadinger Prize the panel of judges cited the paper’s innovative focus on developing countries; construction of a comprehensive geo-referenced database of indicators; thorough analysis; and timeliness as an input for international negotiations on carbon emissions mitigation and adaptation assistance. The authors are donating the prize money (1,000 euros) to Solar Aid, an NGO that promotes rural solar power development in East and Southern Africa.

RESEARCH BRIEFToxic Waste from Obsolete Pesticides—A Growing Threat in Developing CountriesNovember 2009: Abandoned pesticide stockpiles pose a growing threat to people and ecosystems in developing countries. A geo-referenced method developed for policy makers in Tunisia is also being presented to Mali and other African countries to prioritize stockpile clean-up as inventories become available.

STORYWB Research on the Challenges of Adapting to Climate ChangeDecember 2007: The World Bank conducts rigorous research on climate change to guide its operational strategies and offer better advice to member countries. An important aspect of this research agenda is its focus on adaptation to climate change – an issue that has received increasing attention since Kyoto. For most UNFCCC parties with relatively low emissions, adaptation is the critical challenge in framing policies that respond to climate change.

BRIEFCountry Stakes in Climate Change NegotiationsOctober 2007: Using a comprehensive geo-referenced database of indicators relating to global change and energy, a set of composite measures were derived to gain insight into countries’ likely attitudes toward international treaties that regulate carbon emissions. When countries are classified according to source and impact vulnerability using these composite measures clear differences emerge in the factors that determine likely negotiating positions. Successful negotiation of a global protocol will likely require compensation and cross-subsidy mechanisms that reflect, at a minimum, the dimensions of vulnerability considered in this study.

BRIEFClimate Change: The Final Blow for Agriculture in Africa?August 2007: A recent cross-country study using the Ricardian approach shows that the effects of climate change on the African continent may force large regions of marginal agriculture out of production by the end of this century, while helping others. The study highlights the importance of equipping millions of agriculture-dependent and water-deprived Africans in the most vulnerable countries with the information, technologies, and supporting institutions they need to adapt to further climate deterioration.

BRIEFRoad Upgrading and Trade Expansion in Sub-Saharan AfricaDecember 2006: Improving transport infrastructure in the land-locked interior of Africa is a high priority of the World Bank’s Africa Action Plan. A new research study investigates the likely trade benefits of investing in upgrading and maintaining a trans-African highway network. The estimated benefits are significant. On the road from Bangui in the Central African Republic to Kisangani in Congo DR, for instance, the increase in trade volume is estimated at 793 percent.

STORYToxic Pollution from Agriculture: Costs and Remedies November 2006: In recent decades, the indiscriminate use of agricultural pesticides has created very serious health and environmental problems in many developing countries. One to five million farm workers are estimated to suffer pesticide poisoning every year (WHO, UNEP) and at least 20,000 die annually from exposure, many of them in developing countries.

STORYSaving the Forests (Policy Research Report)October 2006: Preserving the world’s rapidly shrinking tropical forests and improving the economic prospects of millions of poor people requires an urgent strengthening of national forest governance. Globally, this calls for strong financial incentives, says a new World Bank policy research report, "At Loggerheads? Agricultural Expansion, Poverty Reduction and Environment in the Tropical Forests."

STORYDisclosing Emissions Information Helps Check Pollution in AsiaApril 2006:Public disclosure of emissions information has proved very useful in developing countries with obvious regulatory problems, as in joint program with EcoWatch in the Philippines where compliance has increased 50 percent in over 45 rated factories between 1997 and 1998. New research on environmental pollution and health, focusing on implications for people has become part of a broad research program for the World Bank.

STORYDo Roads Bring Jobs to People? Lessons in Economic GeographyJanuary 2006: Authorities need to better understand the factors that influence location decisions for manufacturing firms, and also need to view the outcomes of potential policy interventions, such as investment in transport infrastructure to imrpove market accessibility of lagging regions, in a new ‘economic geography’ context.